Left Bedlinog in drizzly weather and headed to Warwick castle. Funnest thing ever!!! We were greeted by the concierge and relieved of our bags, then headed off to tour the dungeon experience! We met the cook who stood in for the physician who had just died of the Plague - he showed us (very graphically) what happened with the bodies after they died. Then through to the torturer who demonstrated the "tongue twister" and the "chappy chopper" - again, very graphic and I'm sure painful! Next we met the judge - I was placed on trial for being Australian! Finally, we were treated to a ghost story of Moll - a witch - who is said to haunt the castle.
We were taken to our room (the room where King Edward IV was imprisoned) to unpack before heading off for a delicious lunch. Then as we digested we stretched out on the grass to watch the birds of prey show. The birds are truly magnificent - bald eagles, condors, owls and red kites.
Deciding to get a little physical to work off lunch, we headed down for a spot of archery. The boys did particularly well, and Benedict kept telling us about his friend Malcolm who has real archery gear!
We finished the day's public events with a trebuchet demonstration. Such a powerful yet graceful weapon.
Once the general public left the castle, we were treated to a private, historical tour of the castle. Our guide, Matthew, really knew his stuff and promised the boys a chance to play with swords in the morning.
We headed off to the Knights' Village for dinner and were treated to a knights' sword fight. Ken, in speaking with the knights afterwards, learnt that the company that runs the Castle now, gives the men funding to basically play around with the equipment and give feedback to the armourers about the comfort and functionality of the different pieces of equipment.
So now, its off to bed. Breakfast will be served in the library tomorrow morning before as much time at the castle to play as we like!
